Kadena Air Base is home to the 18th Wing on Okinawa. (Jessi Roth/U.S. Air Force)
A Japanese employee at Kadena Air Base died after suffering a medical emergency on the Okinawa installation last week, according to the 18th Wing.
The undisclosed medical emergency occurred on April 22 during a Month of the Military Child event on base, the wing said in an unsigned statement Monday.
A previous wing statement identified the event as an annual helicopter demonstration.
Medical personnel took the employee to an off-base hospital, where the individual died later that day.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of our Team Kadena member during this difficult time,” 18th Wing commander Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans said in Monday’s statement. “Their presence and service made a difference within our community, and they will be deeply missed.”
The wing declined to identify the worker or provide further details, including the person’s base affiliation, citing privacy reason.
It acknowledged questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Monday but did not immediately provide responses.
